(4) K-3 Illustrated by Liana Hee. Princess Brianna Bright loves ballet and fencing, but she isn't very good at either--until thieves steal jewels from the castle, and Brianna combines ballet moves with fencing to save the day. Calvert cleverly points out similarities between ballet and fencing in this tale of girl power. Hee's digital illustrations are slick and twee but capture the strength and grace of Brianna's movements. Glos.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning. In this sequel to Princess Peepers, the Royal Academy for Perfect Princesses is putting on a pet show--but the book's protagonist doesn't own a pet. Even if the misunderstanding-based plot isn't all that compelling, Peepers is irreverent enough to please tomboys but princess-y enough for the princess-obsessed. The art is full of impeccable lines, rich colors, and couture-ish finery.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning. Princess Peepers adores her glasses, but after her peers razz her about them, she tries (futilely) to function specs-free; Mourning's visuals, heavy with purples and pinks, deliver the slapstick. Peepers reconsiders her specs for a less than practical reason (the prince wears them, too), but the story feels fresh throughout--no easy feat for a princess book.

Reviewer: Nell Beram